Drug abuse News Leader, Fremont, NC

The annual celebration of Red Ribbon Week is October 23 through October 31. Red Ribbon Week is the largest drug prevention event in America. As this week approaches, our attention turns to various types of drug abuse.
You may be surprised to hear that today’s teenagers are using less cocaine, crack, LSD, and ecstasy than those in previous years. Surveys of teen drug use in 2006 report an overall decline in alcohol, cigarette, and illegal drug use by teenagers. This is good news; however, there is a disturbing teen trend cropping up across the United States. Teens are turning away from street drugs and the stigma that goes along with them, and are abusing prescription and over the counter (OTC) drugs to achieve the same type of high. Young people’s abuse of these types of drugs has skyrocketed compared to the use of illegal drugs, such as marijuana. A recent study showed that one in five teens has abused a prescription pain medication, while one in ten teens has abused a cough medication.
Parents should be aware of a practice known as “pharming”. Pharming, a risky new activity among some teens, refers to the act of ingesting a mix of prescription and OTC drugs in the hopes of getting high. Pills are often swallowed with alcohol or cough syrup. There are even some websites that provide “recipes” for the best way to achieve a high.
Prevention, starting at an early age, is critical. Parents should talk with their children about the importance of carefully following directions on the labels of all medications. Parents should warn teens that taking these products for purposes other than those intended is extremely unsafe. Be careful, though, not to provide too much information as this may inspire kids to experiment. To further prevent this type of drug abuse, parents should monitor their child’s activities. Pay attention to the time your teen spends online. Keep track of medications and discard old or unused medicines.

As a parent you are the most influential person in your child’s life. Talk to your teen about healthy ways to cope with the pressures of the world. Be a positive role model and a good listener for your child. Remember, the majority of teens do not abuse prescription and OTC medications. However, the rapid growth of the problem shows that parents need to pay attention. If you feel strongly that your child could have a problem, talk with your family doctor.